Psychotherapy and Addiction Treatment

Overcoming drug and alcohol addiction often requires understanding what causes addictive behaviors. How can you do this? Most rehabs use psychotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Depending on the facility, clients may meet with psychologists, drug counselors, or intake specialists while undergoing treatment.

What’s Involved in Talk Therapy?

Psychotherapy involves more than simply having a conversation. Counselors and therapists often encourage program participants to open up. This helps addiction staff understand a person’s motivations for substance abuse and formulate an appropriate course of treatment.

A lot of therapy will be one-on-one sessions. However, group meetings are also a part of the treatment process. Both are beneficial for helping people get well.

The common forms of psychotherapy include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

Interpersonal therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy

Your rehab facility will choose a therapeutic method they feel is best for you.

For example, you might take part in CBT, where you focus on turning negative thoughts into positive ones. Or, your counselors may feel DBT is better for you. This involves learning skills that help you productively manage stress and negative emotions.

How Psychotherapy Helps in Addiction Treatment

Many people bury painful memories or cope with negative emotions by numbing themselves with drugs and alcohol. They find it easier to escape while high instead of facing the stress and negative feelings these thoughts produce. However, this is not at all a healthy way to live.

Fortunately, therapy in a rehab setting encourages open expression. People are able to talk freely, perhaps for the first time in their lives. A counselor is an unbiased party who’s there to help. They won’t judge your past actions. Additionally, they’re specifically trained to help you navigate your feelings and move forward.

Overall, the more you participate in therapy, the better your chances of reaching lasting recovery. Your therapist uses techniques that help you uncover deep-seated issues that cause addictive behavior.

When you’re able to understand core issues in your past—whether it’s family drama, a traumatic event, or an inability to cope well with stress—you’re able to healthily handle the resulting emotions. Only by facing them can you hope to move past them.

Why Group Therapy Is So Helpful

In a group setting, you’ll be able to connect with peers who are going through the similar problems. They’ll give you the necessary support so you can see you’re not alone.

In addition, you might also take part in family therapy, which is an important part of many rehab programs. Drug and alcohol abuse often results in broken relationships. Therefore, involving your loved ones in therapy allows everyone to heal. Overall, you’ll learn to forgive and let go of past resentments.

Begin Your Journey at Hawaii Island Recovery

At Hawaii Island Recovery, our staff of trained and dedicated professionals is ready to help you begin the next phase of your life without the damaging effects of drug and alcohol abuse.

A sober future is possible with our help. Begin working toward recovery by calling 866-390-5070 today. We’re here to help you overcome addiction and regain control of your life.

Who We Are

Hawaii Island Recovery, the Big Island’s premiere residential substance abuse rehabilitation facility for adults, offers a comprehensive treatment program in a tranquil and healing environment. Providing the best evidence-based treatment, medically supervised detox, and holistic and experiential therapies, Hawaii Island Recovery combines the most effective treatment modalities to support long term sobriety.